It's back! With the goal of bringing a little cheer to patients in the hospital during the holiday season, the deviantART Holiday Card Project connects deviants from around the world and applies their tremendous artistic abilities in designing and creating uplifting holiday cards.

In past years, the Project has received more than 5,000 cards sent in by more than 1,000 deviants from 50 different countries/political regions. Cards were then divvied up and distributed in-person by deviantART members to local Los Angeles, CA hospitals, with additional cards given to various hospitals in the U.S. and abroad for hospital staff members to hand out to patients.

The idea behind the Holiday Card Project is simple: do something nice for others. However, if you're looking for even more incentive, every deviant who submits a card will be given a free one-month Premium Membership to deviantART.

Please read the following text for more details on the Holiday Card Project.

What is the deviantART Holiday Card Project?The purpose of the Holiday Card Project is to have deviants create physical holiday cards for people who are hospitalized during the holiday season — helping to bring a little cheer to those who are undergoing a hospital stay.

Who receives the cards?The cards will be distributed to both U.S. and international hospitals. Some cards will be delivered in-person by select deviants in the areas of the respective hospitals, while other cards will be distributed by hospital staff members. The patients who receive the cards age in range from children to seniors, and have illness or injuries that vary from mild to terminal.

What should I write in a card?Be as creative as you’d like, but remember, the degree of illness for patients will vary from mild to terminal, so it is important to be cheerful. Some suggested greetings include, “Hope you’re feeling better,” “Thinking of you,” or “Have a nice day.” Try and stay away from “Get well soon” as it might not be appropriate for all patients. Be sure include a message of “Happy holidays” as the cards will be distributed for the holidays.

Can I make a card myself?Of course. An 8.5" × 11" (21.59 cm x 27.94 cm) sheet of paper folded 2 ways to a total size of 4.25" × 5" (11.43 cm x 12.7 cm) works nicely. Though, there is no specific “set” size for cards. Use your best judgment. You can personally design and decorate cards by drawing, coloring, or painting. Construction paper, cardboard, markers, crayons, colored pencils, ribbon, etc., are all great to help make your card as special as possible.

Can I use holiday cards purchased from a store?Absolutely. Store bought cards are great for the Holiday Card Project, but try and add a little extra flair and pizzazz by drawing on the inside of the card or including a few doodles. Use color to brighten up the presentation; be creative.

How much is postage for sending a card?If you live in the U.S. and are sending an averaged sized card, it will probably cost one first-class stamp ($0.45). If you live in a country other than the U.S., the best thing to do is to check with your local postal agency for rates.

Can I send more than one card?Please do. You can even put more than one card in the same envelope or package to save on postage. However, remember that quality is better than quantity. Sending one quality card that you put time and effort into is better than sending two cards that were thrown together.

Will patients know who made their cards?The only way a patient will know who made a card is if you sign your name, which you are welcome to do. You may also include your e-mail address and/or deviantART URL in hopes of getting a reply; though, that can’t be guaranteed. If you wish to send a card anonymously, you may.

Can non-deviants participate in the Project?Definitely. The Holiday Card Project accepts cards from all participants who are willing to contribute to a good cause. The Project is a great way for schools, clubs, church groups, or family and friends to get together and work on a fun activity. No deviantART affiliation is necessary.

What do I get out of this?The idea behind the Holiday Card Project is to try and bring a little cheer to those undergoing a hospital stay. The patients and their families are deeply touched by the kindness and caring from those who take time to create and send cards.

Additionally, once the Holiday Card Project has been completed, all registered deviantART members will be given a free one-month Premium Membership just for sending in a card. In order to be awarded a Premium Membership, please include your username on a piece of paper separate from the holiday card. Premium Memberships will be distributed no later than January 31, 2013.

When is the deadline for the Holiday Card Project?All cards should be received by December 15, 2012.

Please remember to include your deviantART username on a separate piece of paper when mailing in a holiday card. To ensure that you successfully receive your free Premium Membership, it is vitally important that your username be written in such a manner that it easy to read!

Rules and TermsLimit one one-month Premium Membership per participant. DeviantART reserves the right to deem any card contributed to the Project as unacceptable and therefore ineligible for a Premium Membership.

Spread the WordIf you’d like to help promote the Holiday Card Project, please use the image below and link back to this journal.

Past Projects

Where do I direct questions and concerns?Please note that many common concerns have already been addressed in the above questions and answers. Take care when reading the Project's description because there's a good chance it already contains an answer to your question. For any remaining issues, please leave a comment in this journal.

With the goal of bringing a little cheer to patients in the hospital during the holiday season, the Holiday Card Project connects deviants from around the world and applies their tremendous artistic abilities in designing and creating uplifting holiday cards. Every deviant who participates in the Project will be awarded a free one-month Premium Membership!

Hello. Seeing as how it is the last day of January, I thought I would inquire as to the status of all the Premium memberships. I sent in a card for the Holiday Program with my info on it, but have not yet received the membership. Is there something I am missing?

Hello deviants, has everyone who submitted a card receive the promised free Premium Membership, or at least some communication that you will receive it soon?Asking, because I sent 2 cards with separate sheet of paper as asked from deviantART and haven't known anything from DA regarding the promised free Premium Membership so far.Regards